Hope & Truth Ministry
Be hope, be love, live with truth.
For the wondering, the doubting, the hurting, and the hopeful. For people without a congregation, and for people who have found theirs but want another voice on the road. You are welcome here.
From the lectionary
Recent reflections
Sermons and reflections in keeping with the Revised Common Lectionary. New writing arrives most weeks.
September 26, 2026
By What Authority - Matthew 21 - Proper 21A
When the religious leaders demand to know by what authority Jesus acts (Matthew 21:23-32), he answers with the parable of two sons — one who refuses the work and then goes, one who agrees but does not — read here with Philippians 2:1-13 and Psalm 25. Tony argues that authority built on money, power, or status produces brokenness and empty words, while the "tax collectors and prostitutes" the leaders dismiss are examples of ones who walk the path of God. Naming neglect as its own kind of aggression, the sermon insists the repentance is available today — not merely confessing Jesus as Lord, but doing God's work and extending grace to people wherever they are on life's journey.
September 19, 2026
Fairness - Matthew 20 - Proper 20A
Reading Jesus's parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) alongside Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 145, and Philippians 1:21-30, this sermon confronts our instinct to measure God's generosity by fairness and tenure. Tony argues that the landowner who pays the last the same as the first reveals the radical nature of grace, which is given freely rather than earned through years of service or effort. Whether the newcomer, the beggar on the corner, or the prisoner who finds God, all receive the same abounding, steadfast love — a gift that calls us to celebration alongside others rather than envy, resentment, or judgment.
September 12, 2026
How Many Times - Matthew 18 - Proper 19A
Drawing on Peter's question of how often we must forgive and Jesus's parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) alongside Psalm 103, Romans 14:1-12, and the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21), this sermon shares that reconciliation and forgiveness are the core of faith rather than an easy exchange of blessings. Tony lifts Jesus's path for confronting wrongs directly and preserving relationship, and argues that forgiving 77 times is finally as much for the self as for others — a letting go of grievance that frees us and leaves judgment to God. Where there is no repentance there is no reconciliation, but in the hurt as much as the blessing, grace opens ways to restore relationship with one another and with God.